Lithuania Declares Nationwide Air Alert After Drone Breach

(MENAFN) Lithuania declared a nationwide air alert Wednesday, sending government officials, lawmakers, and civilians scrambling for shelter after a suspected drone was detected near its eastern border — prompting the activation of a NATO air defense mission over the Baltic state.

A public broadcaster first reported the alert, as the Lithuanian military confirmed it had activated NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission following radar detection of an unidentified airborne object.

Authorities issued successive warnings as drone activity spread across the Ignalina, Utena, Zarasai, and Svencionys districts before the alert was extended to the capital, Vilnius, and its surrounding areas.

The armed forces issued an urgent emergency message to residents across affected zones: "Air alert! Immediately head to a shelter or a safe space."

Vilnius airport halted all operations at approximately 10 am local time (0700 GMT). Train services were simultaneously suspended in parts of the country, with passengers evacuated to designated safe areas at stations.

The alert triggered a rapid government-wide security response. Presidential aide Frederikas Jansonas confirmed that President Gitanas Nauseda and his staff were escorted to safety, while lawmakers and parliamentary personnel were moved to underground shelters. Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene was also taken to a shelter, her spokesperson confirmed.

The military drew direct parallels to recent incidents across the border, noting the situation mirrored similar drone activity reported in neighboring Latvia and Estonia, and characterizing public warnings as standard preventive protocol.

National Crisis Management Centre head Vilmantas Vitkauskas later confirmed the breach, stating that "one drone was sighted over Vilnius district."

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